Bills Associated with The Advocacy Cooperative

Allows a parent to surrender a newborn with a state-licensed, non-profit adoption agency under the Safe Haven Act.  The adoption agency can then request formal custody to be transferred to them, and must notify HHS in writing within 24 hours of accepting a newborn. All adoption agency employees that will accept donated babies are to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Allows the adoption service provider to ask for information that can be used to facilitate an adoption. Requires HHS to maintain a list of pre-approved adoptive homes for placement of surrendered newborns. Includes other provisions to facilitate these adoptions. Takes effect July 1, 2023.

Adds to the list of changes that can be made to rules without going through the full administrative rulemaking process (correcting Code & rule citations, internet websites), modifies rule citations (to include publication date), clarifies that legislative branch is exempt from administrative rules process, allows electronic distribution of rules notices, and requires rules that change or estabish a new fee to include the amount of the fee in the publication of the rule.  Takes effect January 1, 2024.

Enacts provisions to reorganize all of state government. Of this 1,512 page document, more than 900 pages enacts the new HHS department. Also eliminates local control of community-based corrrections and moves all professional  licensing into a new Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL). No longer allows the State Library Commission and Iowa Commission for the Blind to hire their own directors (will instead be appointed by Governor).  Combines Insurance Division, Credit Union Division, and Banking Division together under a single department. Moves the Consumer Advocate from the AG's office to the Utilities Board.  Moves Child Advocacy Board under HHS structure. Moves Vocational Rehabilitation Services from Department of Education to Iowa Workforce Development. Includes many other changes. Fiscal note estimating savings is available: www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/FN/1370635.pdf. Takes effect July 1, 2023.

Allows an adopted person who is 18 and whose original birth certificate has been substituted to request that information on the original parents be added to the new certificate. Includes requirements for amending the certificate. Takes effect July 1, 2023.